PUPILS returning to Skerne Park Primary School in Darlington next term will have more play equipment.

Staff at communications company Orange raised £2,000 to pay for the new play area, which features a log train.

Headteacher Diana Teasdale said: "An attractive and stimulating play area encourages youngsters to learn to play together with consideration for others. The area also offers pupils a quiet place to go when they don't feel like running around."

Karen Ingham, head of the Orange Communications Centre, said staff were delighted to help the school.